Things To Do In Carterton

Carterton Farmers Market

You'll find plenty of things to do in Carterton - a town full of character! Browse vintage stores and artists' studios, go on a garden tour, bush walk or check out the Farmers Market, then catch a show at the Carterton Events Centre.

 

he nearby Waiohine Gorge takes you over the world's longest swing-bridge - you can stare down past your feet to the river far below! - to walking tracks, peaceful picnic spots and river swimming holes. - See more at: http://dw.stage.net.nz/about-wairarapa/towns/carterton#sthash.gjcoPCCH.dpuf
he nearby Waiohine Gorge takes you over the world's longest swing-bridge - you can stare down past your feet to the river far below! - to walking tracks, peaceful picnic spots and river swimming holes. - See more at: http://dw.stage.net.nz/about-wairarapa/towns/carterton#sthash.gjcoPCCH.dpuf
he nearby Waiohine Gorge takes you over the world's longest swing-bridge - you can stare down past your feet to the river far below! - to walking tracks, peaceful picnic spots and river swimming holes. - See more at: http://dw.stage.net.nz/about-wairarapa/towns/carterton#sthash.gjcoPCCH.dpuf
A 3-day festival celebrating wheels of all kinds with a different theme each day over Waitangi weekend 2023.

Activity Pass

Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.

Farms

The Wairarapa A&P Show is held every Spring at the Clareville Showgrounds just outside of Carterton. Livestock, equestrian, farm machinery and wood choppers all have their day in the sun at this fantastic family event.
Every year in January, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

The Carterton Mountain Biking Track is a great free place to ride a bike in the Wairarapa. Suitable for the whole family and only fifteen minutes from Masterton.
Green Jersey has over 200 cycles for hire, with a wide range of cellar doors a short cycling distance from Martinborough.

Walking & Trekking

Just outside of Carterton Fensham reserve is large loop track that takes you through towering native trees - great for families.
Follow the boardwalk through a recovering wetland and remnant of flooded forest at Carters Reserve just outside on Carterton.
The Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit is a two to three day tramp to some of the best alpine tops travel in the Tararua Forest Park.
The Waiohine River has carved out a spectacular gorge, bisecting the landscape and setting an attractive backdrop. The suspension bridge spanning the gorge forms a spectacular gateway to the Tararua Forest Park.
Totara Flats Hut is in a beautiful setting at the confluence of the Waiohine River and Totara Creek.
Mount Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of the Tararua Forest Park. With some of the highest peaks in the Tararua Range, Holdsworth offers short walks and longer tramps through forest and into the alpine environment.
One of the most popular day trips in the park is the climb to Mountain House Shelter along the easy grade of the Gentle Annie Track.
Holdsworth is the main entrance to the eastern side of the Tararua Forest Park. Set against the backdrop of some of the highest peaks in the Tararua Range, Holdsworth offers short walks and longer tramps through attractive forest and higher up into the alpine environment.
The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities in a wild, natural landscape.

Museums

This self-guided tour takes you to many of the Wairarapa’s towns and villages on a scenic tour of the region. The itinerary is best done over a couple of days but you could squeeze it in with a busy day.
Wairarapa Heritage Association is a trail of Wairarapa museums running from Featherston to Mount Bruce. Check out some of the fabulous places you can visit!

Art

Heart of Arts, based in Carterton is a unique arts, culture and heritage hub showcasing local artists.

Adventure

The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities in a wild, natural landscape.
Dalefield Horse Riding Park is a recreational horse riding park, on Kaipaitangata Road at the end of Dalefield Road in Carterton, where horse riders who would normally ride on public road and tracks, can ride safely.

Conferences

The Carterton Events Centre is the most modern and largest non-pillared, flat floor space in the Wairarapa. Full staging and raked seating options, this blank canvas is yours.

Cycling

Green Jersey has over 200 cycles for hire, with a wide range of cellar doors a short cycling distance from Martinborough.

Family

Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.
Catch the steam train, pick daffodils at Middle Run and enjoy the Carterton street market as part of the town's fun-filled daffodil festival.
The Wairarapa A&P Show is held every Spring at the Clareville Showgrounds just outside of Carterton. Livestock, equestrian, farm machinery and wood choppers all have their day in the sun at this fantastic family event.
Every year in January, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.
The Waiohine River has carved out a spectacular gorge, bisecting the landscape and setting an attractive backdrop. The suspension bridge spanning the gorge forms a spectacular gateway to the Tararua Forest Park.

Free and nearly free

The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities in a wild, natural landscape.
This self-guided tour takes you to many of the Wairarapa’s towns and villages on a scenic tour of the region. The itinerary is best done over a couple of days but you could squeeze it in with a busy day.
Every year in January, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.

Hunting

The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities in a wild, natural landscape.

Gardens

Every year in January, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.
Longbush Cottage Tulip Festival celebrates the majestic tulip every Spring on the first weekend of October, with thousands of varieties planted.

Health and Beauty

Every year in January, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.

Tours and Transport

Carterton Shuttles offer personal shuttle services across Wairarapa, as well as Wellington or Palmerston North airport.
Green Jersey has over 200 cycles for hire, with a wide range of cellar doors a short cycling distance from Martinborough.
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.

Walks

Just outside of Carterton Fensham reserve is large loop track that takes you through towering native trees - great for families.
Follow the boardwalk through a recovering wetland and remnant of flooded forest at Carters Reserve just outside on Carterton.
The Mt Holdsworth - Jumbo Circuit is a two to three day tramp to some of the best alpine tops travel in the Tararua Forest Park.
The Waiohine River has carved out a spectacular gorge, bisecting the landscape and setting an attractive backdrop. The suspension bridge spanning the gorge forms a spectacular gateway to the Tararua Forest Park.
Totara Flats Hut is in a beautiful setting at the confluence of the Waiohine River and Totara Creek.
One of the most popular day trips in the park is the climb to Mountain House Shelter along the easy grade of the Gentle Annie Track.
The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities in a wild, natural landscape.

Weddings

Celebrate your wedding day at the Carterton Events Centre. There are a range of venue options to suit you and your guests.

Cafes and Restaurants

Finom Kitchen is a beautiful little cafe in Carterton serving delicious savoury and sweet food including exquisite cakes, macarons and confectionery.
The Gladstone Inn, also known as the Gladdy or the Gladstone Pub is just ten minutes from Carterton in the Wairarapa and is a great place to eat! The Gladdy is family friendly and has outdoor dining options.

Tours

Green Jersey has over 200 cycles for hire, with a wide range of cellar doors a short cycling distance from Martinborough.
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.

Scenic Attractions

The Tararua Range provides outstanding tramping, hunting, walking and rafting opportunities in a wild, natural landscape.
Spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings with the stars to discover Wairarapa's fabulous night sky.

Relaxation/Pamper

Every year in January, Lavender Abbey hold popular "Pick Your Own Lavender" days, or shop year round at The Big Box of Lavender for a stunning range of lavender products made onsite from their multi-award winning 100% pure lavender oil.